Overview – Ol Pejeta

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Ol Pejeta is one of the prime sanctuaries of Laikipia Plateau and all of the Big Five are present. Its highlights include the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa; a population of southern white rhino; a refuge for the last two northern white rhino left in the world; and Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, housing orphaned and abandoned chimpanzees. It’s the only Laikipia reserve where day visits are possible. A range of activities is available, including night drives, lion tracking and guided bush walks.

Scenery

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent, snow-capped Mount Kenya. Habitats here include semi-arid grassland, woodland, riverine forest and wetland. The conservancy flanks the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River.

Weather & Climate

Average daytime temperatures at Ol Pejeta don’t deviate much from 24°C/75°F, thanks to the nearness of the equator. That said, the park’s altitude lends it a distinct coolness, especially felt on early-morning game drives. There’s always the chance of rain during the Dry season (June to September). But this is guaranteed in the Wet season (October to May), particularly in the twin rainfall peaks of April and November.

Best Time to Visit

Tracking wildlife in Ol Pejeta is not difficult in the drier months (June to September, and December to February), when the roads are dependable and the undergrowth is much thinner than it is in the rainy months. The only downside is that the conservancy can get flooded with visitors at these times. Also, up until September, the dry landscape lacks the striking lushness of the Wet season (October to May).

Ol Pejeta Safari Reviews

Most Helpful Expert Review

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

Laikipia’s main tourist focus

4/5

This is the busiest conservancy in Laikipia, but also one of the largest, with most tourist activity concentrated in the eastern third, site of the main lodge, but there are also a couple of more low-key wilderness camps in the western...

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